Learning Selfless Service at AshcreekAshcreek Ranch Academy is also very committed to participation in community service projects. Community service provides an atmosphere in which boys learn to enrich the lives of others by getting outside of themselves.
Ashcreek Ranch Academy students participate in community and neighborhood service projects to promote self-esteem and a sense of purpose. Service projects consist of work projects, community beautification, as well as visiting those who are in need of friendship and companionship at local nursing homes, senior citizens centers or assisted living homes.
Here are a few of our community service activities:
Often the best antidote for inner struggles is outward service for others. During the treatment process there is a lot of focus on the individual and his problems, the effects of his choices and his internal struggles. Getting out and spending time with others who are less fortunate, or going through difficult life struggles of their own is life-changing for the boys at Ashcreek. One of the most appreciated service activities is our regular visits to assisted care facilities and senior residential care facilities where those who live there long for interaction and companionship of others.
Our students enjoy spending time with the senior residents who are always delighted to see the boys ask about how they are progressing toward their goals. They offer encouragement, advice, and stories of their own life lessons, their families, and accomplishments when they were the boys age. Boys new to the program are usually surprised at how much the visits enhance their own lives and relationships.
Not far from Ashcreek Ranch Academy is the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a world renowned sanctuary for animals that have been rescued, abuses, or were homeless. Best friends is the home to over 1,600 homeless animals of all kinds including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, pigs, horses, goats, donkeys, sheep, mules, and other wildlife.
As a non-profit organization with thousands of animals to take care of, they appreciate the help of the surrounding community and visitors who choose to spend time at the sanctuary playing with the dogs who crave some one on one attention, or the shy cat who wants to be scratched behind the ears. The boys enjoy playing with the animals but also make sure to pitch in on the less exciting needs of the sanctuary such as cleaning bird pens, rabbit runs, or putting fresh straw in the horse stables.
Compassion and caring for animals that have been rescued from abuse or have never had a good home allows the boys to reflect on what it means to care for a living being that can’t take care of itself.
